Thuram: ‘Juventus changed me a lot, we are a strong team that creates chances’ | OneFootball

Khephren Thuram has explained how moving to Juventus changed him as a player and as a person, has emphasized the importance of Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Benfica, but believes that it is too soon to start thinking about a potential World Cup appearance with France this summer.

The Bianconeri midfielder joined head coach Luciano Spalletti for the pre-match press conference ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Jose Mourinho’s Benfica.

Among the topics of discussions were the Benfica match-up, the changes in Thuram’s game since the appointment of Spalletti as head coach, and opinions on Juuve youngsters Fabio Miretti and Vasilije Adzic.

Thuram on Juventus vs. Benfica, Spalletti and 2026 World Cup

GENOA, ITALY – AUGUST 31: Khéphren Thuram of Juventus greets the crowd during a warm-up session prior to kick-off in the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and Juventus FC at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on August 31, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)

“It’s an important game, and at Juventus, you always play to win. Tomorrow’s game is very important for me,” Thuram told the press when asked about Wednesday’s game against Benfica.

Thuram was also asked if his way of playing has had to change since the appointment of Spalletti as head coach, to which he replied: “My way of playing has changed a bit. The coach and staff are helping me understand that I can score goals and be an important player for the team.”

And how has he changed as a player since joining Juventus back in 2024?

“It’s changed me a lot. Before coming to Juve, I was a lot younger, I came to train and didn’t think about much else. Now I realise that every day is important, every video, every moment, everything you do in your day-to-day life to help you become stronger. It’s a different way of life, giving everything to become stronger.”

Thuram was asked for his reaction following Juventus’s recent surprise 1-0 loss against Cagliari in Serie A.

He said: “I saw from the bench that we are a strong team that creates a lot of chances. After every game, we always think about the next one.”

CAGLIARI, ITALY – JANUARY 17: Luca Mazzittelli of Cagliari celebrates his goal 1-0 with the team-mates during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and Juventus FC at Stadio Sant’Elia on January 17, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)

Thuram was also asked if he has an eye on a spot in France’s World Cup squad for the summer.

He said: “I try not to think about the World Cup too much. What you do now is more important. It’s important to grow as a player and with this team, win more games, then the national team will see.”

Thuram was also asked for his opinions on Juventus midfielders Fabio Miretti and Vasilije Adzic: “They are two talented players,” he said. “Fabio is someone who works very hard every day to improve himself. Adzic also works well. I don’t give them any advice because they already know the right way to become better and stronger.”